Health

Can we alter survival in patients with congestive heart failure?

Article Abstract:

Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) who are treated with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may survive longer than those treated with other drugs. CHF patients have decreased cardiac function and exercise capacity, and more than 50% die within five years of their diagnosis. An analysis of research studies published in the medical literature found that drugs that improve cardiac function and exercise duration in CHF patients may not necessarily increase survival. But patients who are treated with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or substances that relax blood vessels, may survive longer, and have improved cardiac function and exercise capacity. Those who are treated with a combination of hydralazine hydrochloride and isosorbide dinitrate may survive longer, although not as long as patients treated with ACE inhibitors. Patients treated with the combination of hydralazine hydrochloride and isosorbide dinitrate had more side effects than those treated with ACE inhibitors.

Author: Feldman, Arthur M.

Publisher:American Medical AssociationPublication Name:JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical AssociationSubject:HealthISSN:0098-7484Year:1992

Publisher:American Medical AssociationPublication Name:JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical AssociationSubject:HealthISSN:0098-7484Year:2006

Complications and side effects, Blood pressure

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Does this dyspneic patient in the emergency department have congestive heart failure?

Article Abstract:

The usefulness of history, symptoms, and signs along with routine diagnostic studies that differentiate heart failure from other causes of dyspnea in the emergency department is assessed. It is suggested that for dyspenic, adult emergency department patients, a directed history, physical examination, chest radiograph, and electrocardiography should be performed.